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Published by the Elgin Historical Association in 2008 Courtesy of Elgin Historical Assn. EHA Elgin, Etc. Published by EHA Elgin Depot Museum preserves Elgin stories
Although I was young, the talk of war and military action was of great interest to me while growing up on a farm outside of Elgin. News over our old Silvertone radio in 1938 telling of the occupation of Austria by Nazi Germany was both exciting and disquieting. I clearly recall the radio report when England’s Prime Minister Chamberlain, after a meeting with Germany’s leader, stated that we would “have peace in our time.”
In late August 1939, disturbing reports became more frequent concerning Germany’s aggressive intent. Threats went back and forth between France and England and their future adversary. In early September, Germany invaded Poland. Within a few days, France and England declared war.
I remember vividly the announcer, who I think was Edward R. Murrow, declaring that “World War II had started.”
My brother Carl, who was 17 and would later be killed in that war, was in the field plowing. Although we had a Model B John Deere, my dad did not trade-in two of his faithful old mules – Jack and Babe. So, Carl was plowing with those mules behind a hand-held walking plough. I clearly remember running to Carl (I can identify the spot today within 50 yards) and told him that “World War II” had started.
The year 1940 started out rather quiet, the Germans having overcome and occupied Poland in a short time. War on the western front was termed the “sitzenkrieg,” with Allied and German forces being entrenched behind their defense lines. However, this tranquility ended in April with Germany’s surprise invasion of Denmark and Norway. Since both my parents born in Sweden and had most of their families there, the invasion of Scandinavia was of great interest. However, Sweden was not invaded and remained neutral throughout World War II.
In early May of 1940, the Germans launched their “blitzkrieg” against France and the Low Lands – Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. The news was devastating, and by the end of June, the Germans had conquered all four countries. England was alone and was soon subjected to fierce aerial attacks by the German Air Force. I remember hearing Winston Churchill give some of his famous radio speeches inspiring the Allies to “fight on” against the odds.
The next year, 1941, was to be the last “normal” year for our family. Since the U.S. was not at war, most of the young men in our community were not yet in uniform. As was a tradition, we joined several other families for a 4th of July picnic on the Colorado near where the Bartons had their small grocery. Since Germany had attacked Russia two weeks earlier, June 22, there was a lot of talk of war and what the future would hold.
